September 19, 2020 |
The white gallery-like walls of her East London studio were the perfect backdrop for Molly Goddard’s exuberant collection which literally burst with joy. The designer’s signature smocking and froth net explosions came in optimistic brights and clashing gingham checks.
Fantasy and practicality combined in voluminous showerproof rain dresses and capacious new bags which cleverly mirrored the frothy textures of her signature dresses. You don’t need to slap a logo on everything when your design handwriting is this recognisable. It was a clever brand extension. So too was Goddard’s new Ugg collaboration (think shaggy jewel-coloured slippers or the classic Ugg, done in emerald green suede but perched on a giant platform).
“I wanted to do something that felt joyful,” said the designer. She like everyone at fashion week is adapting to Covid. She’s now using more London-based manufacturers and training them to make her huge dresses. Her planned live show went ahead without an audience. No matter. She’s looking forward to SS21 and the clothes, bags and shoes that bring drama, but also joy.
Photography by Ben Broomfield.
